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via Delivering pizza in a 2025 Hyundai Kona EV - 150 miles away

"No good deed goes unpunished." We all know that gem, and we all recognize a time in our lives when doing something nice netted our misery. Fortunately, this isn't quite that dramatic, and during my adventure, I was able to test the heck out of the stellar little Hyundai Kona EV.

The mission

I was to go from Torrance, CA, to Palmdale, CA, to meet some folks in need near Joe Davies Heritage Airpark. They were pet owners who needed assistance, and I was going to lend a hand. That was the goal.

Related: Scout's legal troubles are growing

What actually happened was more along the lines of a 150-mile round-trip pizza run.  See, after the L.A. fires, the rains finally came, which led to the event being canceled without my knowledge. The issue was that I was already en route, slogging it out in wet traffic, before I got the call far too late into my journey. At least it was a great way to test out the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV. 

The car

This was the Kona Limited EV, the top-of-the-line model with the bigger 64.8 kWh battery. According to Hyundai, this means up to 261 miles of range and a more powerful 201-horsepower motor powering the front wheels. 

It's truly an electric compact hatchback, not an SUV or crossover. There's no all-wheel drive (AWD) option, and it has less than seven inches of ground clearance. Still, it managed to power through water deep enough to nearly submerge the 17-inch wheels. 

Related: Thinking about buying a Toyota Camry? Here are other top choices to consider

Overall performance was outstanding. Braking, accelerating, and handing were all above par. There is no real steering feel, but if you put it in Sport mode, it stiffens up the steering effort nicely. It's also quicker. 

I left my neighborhood with about 200 miles of range left after a few days of testing. I figured I would power up out there with its 100 kW DC fast charging capability, which would have been a bit slow but the safer bet nonetheless. Once I got there, I opted to turn around and head back, which left me with exactly 50 miles of range and a round trip of over 150 miles. Impressive. 

The 2025 Hyundai Kona EV Limited is priced at just under $43,000. Sure, the price is a bit steep, but you get heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, a moonroof, and solid performance. Additionally, you get two 12.3-inch screens for the instrumentation and infotainment with wireless charging and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Hyundai's expansive safety suite includes automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and available adaptive cruise control. Excellent parking assist cameras are also available. It even got a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. 

The outcome

After navigating a few nasty sections of deep-standing water, diverting to avoid a mudslide area, and navigating through tons of rescue vehicles while still on station, I finally got the phone call: "Sorry, dude, it's canceled." I was only ten minutes away. 

After finding some colorful words to shout at the faux leather-wrapped steering wheel, I found out that I wasn't the only one in that situation. Thus, I took on the role of good Samaritan and delivered pizza to the other few who made the trip. Using the heated passenger seat, I kept the zah warm as I met up with other lost souls. 

Related: What if Honda revived the Element to challenge Ford's Bronco Sport

We finished a few slices, bid our farewells, and went our separate ways. I opted to go home through the traffic without any stops for power. As I said before, the Kona EV did even better than I expected, with a total of 50 miles left on the battery after this trip. Remember that much of this was on freeways and highways, which drains EV batteries faster, 

As I listened to loud music to elevate my sour mood, it dawned on me that this little car was a great companion. It handled well, noise isolation was better than I expected, and overall performance was great. I especially liked the simple yet welcome hard buttons, switches, and dials.  

Final thoughts 

Overall, the whole thing was a long drive and a frustrating situation. Despite that, I was able to push a little, somewhat innocuous EV pretty hard. It was a sweet little driver, and I think that the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV is much better than many think.

Sure, the upcoming Volvo EX30 and Chevrolet Equinox have greater range and are excellent choices, but the Hyundai Kona EV feels like an old friend, and that makes it all worthwhile.   

Related: A new contender enters the EV charging race

via Scout's legal troubles are growing

Scout Motors is finding itself in hot water even before delivering its first vehicle. The revived off-road brand, backed by Volkswagen Group, is facing mounting legal challenges from vehicle dealerships over its direct-to-consumer sales model. Lawsuits in Florida and opposition from California’s dealer association highlight the complex legal landscape Scout must navigate as it prepares to launch its Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV.

Related: Nissan shares fly as a new partner enters deal talks

Florida dealers file lawsuit

In Florida, a group of Volkswagen and Audi dealers has filed a lawsuit against Scout, arguing that the company is violating the state’s dealer franchise laws by accepting deposits for its vehicles. Under Florida law, even deposits are considered sales, and Scout has already secured over 50,000 of them.

The lawsuit further claims that Scout is a “common entity” of Volkswagen of America, which should prohibit it from bypassing traditional dealerships. The dealers are asking the state to halt Scout’s deposit collection and prevent it from selling directly in Florida. This case will likely set an important precedent, as Tesla and Rivian are already allowed to sell directly in the state, but they lack an established parent company with franchised dealers.

Related: Stellantis' future takes a wild turn after CEO exit

California dealers push back

Scout is also facing resistance in California, where the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) has sent a cease-and-desist letter warning that the brand’s sales strategy violates a 2023 amendment to the state’s vehicle code. The amendment prevents automakers from competing with their own franchise dealerships, a rule aimed at maintaining the traditional dealer network.

Volkswagen and Scout argue that Scout operates independently, much like Tesla. However, the CNCDA disputes this, pointing to VW’s direct financial and operational backing, including funding Scout’s factory in South Carolina. If the dealers escalate their legal efforts, it could further delay Scout’s ability to sell vehicles in California.

Related: 2025 Lexus LX 700h review: A hybrid SUV that defies expectations

A growing battle over direct sales

Dealer franchise laws vary widely across the U.S., creating legal hurdles for automakers attempting to sell vehicles directly. Some states, like South Carolina—where Scout’s factory is being built—prohibit direct-to-consumer sales outright. However, a bipartisan bill is being introduced to allow Scout to operate without dealerships in the state.

Scout’s legal troubles highlight a broader battle between traditional dealership networks and automakers seeking more control over their sales process. Tesla and Rivian have successfully avoided dealerships, but legacy brands like Volkswagen must work within a system that protects existing franchise agreements.

Final thoughts

Scout is positioning itself as a competitor to Rivian and Tesla, offering consumers an alternative to the dealership experience. However, if legal challenges prevent it from selling directly, the brand could face significant hurdles in attracting buyers who prefer to bypass dealerships.

For Volkswagen, the implications extend beyond Scout. If courts rule against the brand, it could limit other automakers from adopting direct sales models in the future. With lawsuits underway and legislative battles looming, Scout’s ability to navigate these legal challenges could shape the future of car sales in the U.S.

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Related: 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ pushes technology to new heights

via 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ pushes technology to new heights

The arrival of an electric 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is big news. Beyond its expectation-defying powertrain comes a host of advanced technology that recasts the Escalade as more than a leather-lined SUV for athletes, rock stars, and oligarchs.

For the 2025 Escalade IQ, Cadillac employs the same Ultium battery pack from the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Hummer H1T and a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen as the highlight of its interior.

Related: Nissan shares fly as a new partner enters deal talks

The power expected of a Cadillac

A pair of electric motors provide 680 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque, which increases to 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque when Velocity Max mode is activated. All-wheel drive is standard.

GM says the new Escalade IQ has 460 miles of range, the most of any SUV, although that’s an in-house estimate, not an EPA rating. Better yet, its high-voltage architecture can add up to 100 miles of range in a mere 10 minutes at a peak 800-volt DC fast charging.

Related: Stellantis' future takes a wild turn after CEO exit

Beyond its muscular driveline, GM has ensured that its new flagship SUV provides the best tech experience as well. One example is the Escalade IQ’s Vehicle-to-Home charging, which can send power to GM Energy’s Ultium-equipped home products from the vehicle when needed. The Escalade IQ can also power external devices, although this will come as an over-the-air software update during the 2025 model year.

The technology you expect

As is typical of modern vehicles and their LED lighting, the Escalade IQ has distinct choreographed lighting when you approach or depart. It can also be fitted with indulgent power doors that open and close at the touch of a button.

Once underway, you’ll find the Escalade IQ has an Adaptive Air Ride Suspension system that can lower the SUV by two inches or raise it by an inch when needed. It’s also equipped with four-wheel steering, which allows it to move diagonally to better access tight spaces. Given its 224.3-inch length, that should prove beneficial.

There there’s Super Cruise, Cadillac’s hands-free driver assistance technology. It comes standard along with a lengthy list of standard active driver safety assistance features, including Blind Zone Steering Assist, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, HD Surround Vision, Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist, and Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking.

Related: Ford’s EV losses hit billions in 2024, is the worst yet to come?

Those systems and their controls are part of the Escalade IQ’s massive 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen that’s powered by Qualcomm Technologies, including its Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF system. Google's suite of apps, including Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, is built-in, and owners can download their favorite apps through the Play Store as well.

Music to your ears

When it comes time to crank up the tunes, the Escalade IQ sports a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system by default. Step up to Luxury 2 and Sport 2 trims, and you get upgraded to a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system.

But the ultimate upgrade is the optional 40-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system, which comes with the available Executive Second Row Package. That package also adds dual 12.6-inch-diagonal infotainment screens, a rear control screen, dual wireless phone charging pads, USB-C and HDMI ports, and headrest speakers.

The technology is enhanced by an interior accented with customizable ambient lighting with 126 color choices.

Final thoughts

Given the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ’s state-of-the-art powertrain, it’s only fitting that its technology package fits that bill as well. That Cadillac has succeeded only speaks to its engineering prowess. It’s a long-held tradition at Cadillac, one that’s been true since its founding 122 years ago.

Thankfully, this isn’t some concept but a true flagship EV available at your Cadillac dealer now starting at $129,990.

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Related: 2025 Lexus LX 700h review: A hybrid SUV that defies expectations

Jeep 4xe, Ford and Audi PHEVs recalled again for battery fire riskOwners of certain plug-in hybrids need to take vehicles into a service center again Jeep, Ford, Audi PHEVs have battery packs that may need replacement The faulty battery packs were supplied by Samsung SDI A software update to fix a battery fire risk in popular plug-in hybrids by Jeep, Audi, and Ford did not work, according to a Wednesday filing...

via Is the 2025 Toyota Prius worth $28,350?

Redesigned for 2023, the Toyota Prius is no longer a commodity car built to a price to maximize fuel economy while minimizing C02 emissions and driving pleasure. Until 2023, the only thrills to emanate from a Prius came from passing the gas station. Only the parsimonious need apply.

But for the past two years, that’s no longer true. The Prius now provides a heaping helping of driving pleasure along with its penny-pinching persona while being wrapped in attractive automobile attire.

Related: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max review: A proverbial homerun

For 2025, the Toyota Prius will receive a new Nightshade Edition, which blackens the exterior trim, interior upholstery, and stitching when the body is painted Wind Chill Pearl or Midnight Black Metallic.

More power, better fuel economy

No longer a denizen of the right lane, the 2025 Toyota Prius produces 194 horsepower with front-wheel-drive or 196 horsepower with all-wheel-drive. Yet despite the healthy muscle emanating from under the hood, fuel economy remains very good.

Opting for the front-wheel-drive model returns a stellar 57 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA. All-wheel drive reduces that to 54 mpg while ordering the XLE or Limited trim reduces that to 49 mpg. That said, no, Prius is a gas hog. But competitors, such as the Ford Maverick pick-up and Kia Niro SUV, offer similar fuel economy in more popular vehicle formats.

Actually satisfying to drive

Then there’s the Prius’s power, which delivers enough punch to guarantee that you won’t always be passed anymore. That said, you’ll be hard-pressed to break a seven-second 0-60 mph run, but that's still a good three seconds faster than previous versions. The steering returns some semblance of feedback, and it feels planted while cornering, with minimal body lean. It has a neutral feel that makes it unexpectedly pleasurable to push through its paces.

For the foul-weather phobic, the availability of all-wheel drive must seem like a godsend. But the Prius, like other hybrids, uses low rolling resistance tires, so there’s less advantage than you might expect once the flakes fly. And you’ll pay $250 more annually in fuel costs, not to mention the higher purchase price for a Prius with all-wheel drive versus one with front-wheel drive.

Related: Tesla threatened with 100% tariffs in Canada over Musk's Trump support

Then there's that sleek style

If there was one truism of the Toyota Prius, it's that the design aesthetic resembled that of an alien life form, with the only guiding design principle being that of extreme unsightliness. It’s as if Toyota was testing its buyers to see how much hideousness they would put up with in return for excellent fuel economy.

That’s certainly no longer the case.

The latest Prius is sleek and trim in appearance while retaining its hatchback versatility. While it does diminish interior space, it’s a worthy trade-off for the aesthetic improvement as the Prius is no longer a vehicle that will have people judging your taste.

Yet while passenger space remains unchanged at 91 cubic feet, cargo space on the LE has shrunk to 24 cubic feet from 27 cubic feet, according to the EPA. For other grades, it's a mere 20 cubic feet. Despite the loss, the Prius’ cargo volume matches or exceeds that of similarly priced or less expensive hybrids with which it competes.

However, the bigger design toll comes with rear seat headroom, which is a bit dearer than before, so it’s something to consider if you regularly shuttle the average American in the rear row. For 2025, that means a man who’s 5'9" tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds and a woman who’s around 5'4" tall and weighs 171 pounds.

Related: The most and least expensive states to own a car in 2025

Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers fuel-free driving

Of course, you could opt for the Toyota Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid that has 39 or 44 miles of gas-free electric driving, depending on the model. After that, it operates like any other Prius hybrid, albeit with slightly lower fuel economy.

While that may seem appealing, its price is some $6,100+ higher, meaning it will take 24 years to break even financially. Still, for some, the thrill of EV driving with gas-fueled backup is appealing despite the added cost, especially if the Prius is being used mostly for daily commuting.

Final thoughts

Given that every Toyota is now offered with a hybrid variant, Toyota had to give the Prius an additional reason to exist. They’ve succeeded. You would never associate the word "fun" with any Prius, yet it now delivers an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Prius’ driving proficiency is completely different from previous ones. For the first time, Toyota abandoned the anti-performance, anti-design ethos that has consistently stigmatized this vehicle. Now that it's been redesigned, you can enjoy driving while it returns more than 50 mpg, making it the first Prius you might actually want to drive.

That said, you can buy a Corolla Hybrid starting at less than $24,000, although it lacks the Prius’s fun-to-drive nature and hatchback utility. We think the Prius is well worth the extra scratch.

Related: Meet Kamiwaza: the RWB Porsche you've been dreaming of

via Tesla threatened with 100% tariffs in Canada over Musk's Trump support

Tesla may soon face a significant hurdle in Canada. Chrystia Freeland, a candidate for the leadership of Canada’s Liberal Party, has proposed a 100% tariff on U.S.-made Teslas in response to former President Donald Trump’s latest trade policies, The Canadian Press reported.

Freeland’s comments suggest that the move would be a direct retaliation against Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports—and a deliberate effort to make Trump’s allies, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, “pay a price.”

Related: Meet Kamiwaza: the RWB Porsche you've been dreaming of

A growing target on Tesla

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Freeland emphasized the need for a strategic response to Trump’s tariff policies. “We need to be very targeted, very surgical, very precise,” she said. “We need to look through and say who is supporting Trump and how can we make them pay a price for a tariff attack on Canada.”

Tesla’s Canadian sales depend heavily on vehicles manufactured in the U.S., as well as some imports from China. If Freeland’s proposed tariffs were enacted, the resulting price hikes could push Canadian EV buyers toward other brands. Tesla is currently the best-selling EV brand in Canada, with the Model Y and Model 3 leading the charge, but higher costs could threaten that dominance.

Related: Dodge confirms gas-powered Charger Sixpack coming this summer

Political and economic implications

Freeland’s remarks come at a time of rising tension over Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico, set to take effect Tuesday. A phone call on Monday between President Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum led to a one-month pause on the Mexico-targeted tariff after President Sheinbaum agreed to “supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Canada, meanwhile, shows no signs of negotiating with President Trump. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Saturday that the government would impose 25% tariffs on a slew of U.S. imports in retaliation to Trump’s actions. Canada’s new tariffs are set to take effect Tuesday, the same day that Trump’s tariff will start on Canadian imports.

Related: 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E: 5 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice

Tesla braces for impact

As Canada has outpaced the U.S. in EV adoption—nearly 17% of new cars sold in Canada last year were fully electric, compared to just 8% in the U.S.—Tesla’s presence in the Canadian market is substantial. In 2023 alone, the company sold at least 60,000 Model Ys and Model 3s in the country.

Tesla’s reliance on international supply chains could further complicate the situation. Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja acknowledged the risks during the company’s recent fourth-quarter earnings call, stating that “The imposition of tariffs, which is very likely, will have an impact on our business and profitability.”

Related: It's 2025 - Is Tesla still cool?

Trade war or political retaliation?

Freeland’s proposal to directly penalize Tesla over Musk’s financial and operational support of Trump signals a growing willingness to personalize trade disputes. Musk was the largest financier of Trump’s recent campaign and has played a key role in the former president’s efforts to reduce the U.S. federal workforce. Meanwhile, Tesla has been navigating its first full year of declining global sales, with buyer sentiment shifting towards a growing selection of EVs.

Final thoughts

If Canada follows through on Freeland’s suggestion—and if other nations take similar action—it could escalate tensions between governments, automakers, and political figures. Whether the tariffs materialize or not, Tesla’s future in Canada could hinge on how these trade battles unfold in the coming months.

Related: 2025 BMW X3 is a technological extravaganza

via Dodge confirms gas-powered Charger Sixpack coming this summer

Dodge has confirmed that the combustion-powered Charger Sixpack will hit dealerships by the summer of 2025. The announcement came directly from Stellantis while speaking to dealers at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention in New Orleans, according to a press release from the company. This marks an important moment for Dodge as the brand attempts to rebound from a rough 2024, in which sales dropped by 29%.

The Charger Sixpack will be a crucial counterpart to the electric Charger Daytona, which has only recently begun arriving at dealerships despite initial plans for it to arrive last summer. Dodge initially focused on launching the EV variant, but delays and leadership changes, including former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares’ abrupt resignation, seemed to slow progress. Now, the addition of a gas-powered model could help attract traditional muscle car buyers who aren’t ready to go electric.

Related: Honda eyes sub-$30,000 EV for U.S. market

The Sixpack’s place in Dodge’s lineup

Though full details remain scarce, we do know that the Sixpack will feature Dodge’s Hurricane 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. It will be available in two power levels, with 420 horsepower in standard trim and 550 horsepower in high-output form. Buyers will also have a choice between two-door and four-door configurations, with all-wheel drive as an option. While Dodge hasn’t confirmed all performance specs, the Charger Sixpack will almost certainly deliver the tire-smoking antics enthusiasts expect.

Related: The new Tesla Model Y looks a little too much like Cybertruck

Dodge’s sales woes and dealer frustrations

The timing of the Sixpack’s release is critical. Dodge’s sales have plummeted, mirroring struggles across Stellantis’s North American brands, including Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler. Dealers have expressed frustration, blaming inconsistent product strategies and pricing policies for the decline.

“As we look at the year ahead, we recognize that consistency is what our dealers are seeking from us,” said Jeff Kommor, head of U.S. sales for Stellantis. “Following a challenging 2024, we told dealers—directly—that we will be consistent and focus on gaining their trust, especially when it comes to our products, our pricing, and our incentives. We’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response based on these promises and commitments, and we have confidence that 2025 is going to be a great year for the company and dealers alike.”

Related: Volkswagen cancels ID.7 EV for North America amid “challenging EV climate”

A global play for Dodge

Dodge isn’t just looking to American buyers to save the brand. In late 2025, the Charger lineup—including both the EV and ICE variants—will expand to Europe and the Middle East. The move is ambitious, as American muscle cars have historically struggled to gain traction overseas. However, offering both combustion and electric options could give Dodge an edge in these markets, where EV adoption is higher than in the U.S.

The Charger Daytona EV will be the first international model to arrive, followed by the gas-powered Sixpack. While Dodge hopes to appeal to muscle car purists, the lack of a manual transmission could be a sticking point for some buyers. Still, the availability of a high-performance ICE option alongside an EV gives Dodge a flexible approach in a changing market.

Related: Automakers brace for impact as Trump's 25% tariffs take effect Saturday

Final thoughts

The muscle car market isn’t what it once was. Even after Dodge and Chevrolet discontinued their previous generation muscle cars, Ford’s Mustang—the only remaining muscle car in production for a time—still struggled to drive sales. Dodge’s future remains uncertain as the new Charger emerges into a much different market from the one it left.

The Charger Sixpack represents an attempt to keep combustion power alive while the brand experiments with electrification. Whether this strategy will work depends on how well Dodge executes its plans and whether muscle car fans are ready to put the cash down to buy gas-powered muscle while it’s still around.

Related: 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia review: When a 3-Series is too boring